Massdrop x Zslane Mercury Rocketeer Keyboard

Based on a Mid-Century Typewriter

Like putting on an old record or driving a stick shift, there’s nothing quite like typing on a typewriter. With their heavy actuations, old-school colorways, and audible clicks and clacks, mechanical keyboards come close—and with the Mercury Rocketeer they’ve inched even closer. Designed by Zslane (who also designed the Dasher & Dancer and G20 Semiotic custom keycaps), the Mercury Rocketeer is based on the Swiss-made Hermes Rocket typewriter. Originally developed in the 1940s, the typewriter was known for its portability, build quality, and well-rounded features—all of which are on bold display here. Made with a tall, curved powder-coated aluminum case in soothing seafoam green, the Rocketeer evokes the nostalgic vibes of the classic original. What’s more, the keycaps are done in the same vintage green color, with themed novelties that further emphasize the design of the legendary typewriter.

Note: The base price includes the die-cast aluminum chassis, aluminum plate, custom PCB, the base kit keycaps, and your choice of switches. At checkout, you can upgrade to a brass plate, add additional keycap kits, and choose a set of switches. Pricing will vary depending on your selections.

First-Run Production Perks

When you join a drop before it goes into production, you’ll get some exciting perks:

Exclusive zinc novelty keycap ($20 value)

Serialization (first production only)

Access to a Q&A with designer Zslane

$10 credit toward your next purchase

A Vintage Look for the Modern Professional

Done in a 60% form factor, the Rocketeer takes right after its predecessor in terms of portability. However, in terms of functionality, it drastically outdoes what came before. To start, the Rocketeer has a custom 60% PCB that can be programmed to your liking via QMK firmware. The switches, too, can be swapped out with ease thanks to the Kaihua hotswap switch sockets. That means you can change them on the fly if you want a different feel—all without any soldering necessary. Connect it to your computer via the dual USB-C connectors, which also have passthrough technology. Last but not least, the bottom of the case has removable feet for an even more angled feel.

Nostalgic ABS Keycaps & Extras

Made by Signature Plastics, the keycaps are sculpted in tall SA profile for a curved feel just like you’d get on a real typewriter. The colorway is a soothing seafoam green that complements the color of the powder-coated case and matches the original design. We’ll also be offering some fun, vintage novelties for the modifiers to round out the look (see below for more details). Plus, while the keyboard comes with an aluminum switch plate, we’ll also be offering it in brass to really set your board apart.

Specs

Designed by Zslane

Produced by Massdrop

61 keys

Powder-coated die-cast aluminum frame

Custom 60% PCB

Kaihua hot-swap switch sockets

QMK firmware

Cherry-style stabilizers

Aluminum or brass switch plate

Dual USB-C connectors

SA doubleshot ABS keycaps

Dimensions: 12.1 x 5.4 x 1.5 in (30.7 x 13.7 x 3.9 cm)

Weight: 32.2 oz (912 g)

Included (Base Price)

Die-cast aluminum chassis

Aluminum plate

Stabilizers

Hardware

USB-C to USB-A cable

Keycap puller

Switch puller

Custom PCB

Keycap set

Switches

Removable rubber feet (3° incline)

Shipping

All orders will be shipped by Massdrop.

Estimated ship date is Apr 29, 2019 PT.

After the drop ends, payment will be collected and the group’s order will be submitted to the vendor up front, making all sales final. Check the discussion page for updates on your order.